Empire Rose

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Empire Rose was one of the most popular mares to race in New Zealand and Australia. She was a gigantic chestnut, only just fitting into the barrier stalls in Melbourne.

Empire Rose raced 48 times for nine wins and eight placings for $NZ 2,644,234. Among her successes were the New Zealand Cup, LKS Mackinnon Stakes and Melbourne Cup, plus a placing in the 1989 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

The mare, by NZ stallion Sir Tristram from the Sovereign Edition mare Summer Fleur, ran in the Melbourne Cup for a fifth in 1986 and a second in 1987. After winning the LKS Mackinnon Stakes on the Saturday, Empire Rose made her third attempt at the "two-miler" in 1988.

Young rider Tony Allan had the mare handily placed all the way and she led around the big field around the home turn. Despite a flashing finish from Natski, Empire Rose refused to give in and had her head in front on the line. Natski's rump was actually ahead of hers! She was given a rousing reception for her win.

The following year Empire Rose could manage only 15th in the Melbourne Cup to Tawrrific.

[edit] References

This article does not cite any references or sources. (October 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.